Baby Sarah’s Playground

The Impact

Baby Sarah’s Playground will provide Perry County and surrounding communities with a transformative, fully inclusive playground experience. Located in Pinckneyville, IL, this aims to fill a crucial gap as the first and only fully inclusive playground in Perry County and neighboring areas.

Who Will Benefit:

The following groups will benefit from Baby Sarah’s Playground:

1. 1. Children of All Abilities: Baby Sarah’s Playground encourages “parallel play”, where children with disabilities can play alongside their peers, promoting inclusivity and boosting self-esteem.

1. 1. Families: Parents and guardians will benefit from a safe, fenced-in space where their children can play freely.

1. 1. Community Members: The playground will serve as a gathering place for residents of Pinckneyville, IL, and surrounding areas, encouraging social interaction and strengthening community bonds.

1. 1. Educators and Therapists: Baby Sarah’s Playground provides an outdoor learning environment where educators can facilitate inclusive play and therapists can support therapeutic activities.

1. 1. Local Businesses and Volunteers: The project will engage local businesses and volunteers, promoting a sense of civic pride and community involvement.

1. 1. Visitors and Tourists: Baby Sarah’s Playground may attract visitors and tourists to Pinckneyville, contributing positively to the local economy and showcasing the community’s commitment to inclusivity..

Economic Benefits:

The economic benefits of Baby Sarah’s Playground in Pinckneyville, IL can include:

1. 1. Increased Tourism and Visitor Spending: A unique, fully inclusive playground can attract visitors from neighboring areas and beyond. These visitors may spend money on accommodations, dining, and other local services, thereby boosting the local economy.

1. 1. Community Engagement and Events: The playground and adjacent picnic shelters can serve as a venue space for community events, fundraisers, and gatherings such as birthday parties and reunions. These events can generate revenue through reservation fees.

1. 1. Property Value Enhancement: Proximity to amenities like Baby Sarah’s Playground can positively impact property values in the surrounding area, benefiting homeowners and potentially attracting new residents, especially those with young children or grandchildren.

1. 1. Healthcare Cost Savings: By promoting physical activity and outdoor play among children, Baby Sarah’s Playground may contribute to improved health outcomes, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles and related health issues. Statistics from countyhealthrankings.org show that in Perry County, IL 32% of adults report participating in no physical activity outside of work, as compared to 26% in Illinois and 23% nationally. Consequently, the adult obesity rate in Perry County is 40%, as compared to 34% in both Illinois and nationally. Building healthy habits starts at a young age. A fun, engaging playground will help in getting children off devices and out exercising in the outdoors.

1. 1. Long-term Economic Development: Investing in community infrastructure like Baby Sarah’s Playground demonstrates a commitment to enhancing quality of life, which can attract businesses, families, and individuals looking for vibrant and inclusive communities to settle in.

Overall, Baby Sarah’s Playground not only enriches the lives of children and families but also brings tangible economic benefits to Pinckneyville and the broader community by stimulating local spending, encouraging healthy habits, and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the area.